The Moose Fireplace Grill makes Top 16 of Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest

The makers of The Moose Fireplace Grill got some cool news this past week. Out of the 69 entrants in the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest this year, it was revealed the Newton-founded product — that is also manufactured in Red Oak — made the top 16 and is still in the running for the top prize.

In a Facebook post on May 8, it was announced The Moose made the “Sweet 16” and is competing in the next round of voting that is set to end on May 14. According to the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa website, fireplace grill is competing against David Sunflower Seeds made by Conagra, which has four plants in Iowa.

Two days after makers of The Moose announced its placement in the top 16, they noted the next round of the contest is seeded. Conagra has the No. 5 seed while The Moose as the No. 12 seed. Makers of The Moose also noted the two products and their respective owners are vastly different.

While Conagra made more than $12 billion in revenue in 2024 and employs more than 18,000 people, The Moose Fireplace Grill, LLC has zero full-time employees and is operating at a net deficit. Still, the makers of the outdoor fireplace grill are confident and feel they have a real shot at making it through the next stage.

“We can do this,” they said. “This is an upset in the making!”

Newton News previously published a story about The Moose, which was founded and patented by Mark Allen of Newton. The idea came to him when he found himself bouncing between cooking food on a grill and conversing with friends and family around a backyard campfire. So, he combined the two.

Weighing a little over 70 pounds and standing about two feet tall, The Moose has no moving parts and requires no batteries or electricity. The portable fireplace is affixed with a grill that allows for wood-fired cooking directly on the grate or any heat resistant cookware. The product is manufactured by Red Oak Fabrication.

Support from fellow community members, his family and the Small Business Development Center at Iowa State University, have helped fuel Allen’s fire. Kim Didier, executive director of DMACC Business Resources, took it a step further and nominated him for the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest.

“I was laying on the couch giggling like a 12-year-old when I saw that,” Allen said. “I still cannot believe what I’m seeing.”

To participate in the popular round of the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest, visit www.coolestthingia.com and cast your vote. To learn more about The Moose Fireplace Grill, visit www.themoosefireplacegrill.com.